How Dunn Gardens Grows
The ‘Pines & Needles’ quilting celebration moves a historic public space closer to the inclusive mission of its designer, Frederick Law Olmsted
Quilts, like gardens, are layered, sometimes devotional stories of personal history and meticulous handwork. Both represent a substantial investment of time, attention, and resources, whether you’re patiently stitching disparate pieces into a unique whole cloth, or cultivating a historic garden designed and planted more than 100 years ago.
In 1997, five women united by a shared love of quilting formed Pacific Northwest African American Quilters (PNWAAQ) as a means of amplifying a cultural tradition, once grounded in necessity, that has since become a flourishing art form. While membership has fluctuated over the years, over the past nearly 25 years, more than 60 quilters of all ages and experience levels have built the non-profit association into a mutually supportive organization dedicated to sharing the vibrant history of their ancestors with other people of color.
PNWAAQ provides a nurturing environment and encourages its members to keep learning new skills and grow as artists. Monthly meetings offer a chance to socialize, work alongside one another, and share finished projects. Regular workshops and annual quilting retreats allow even more opportunities for fellowship and building skills. Providing service to the larger intergenerational African American community is central to the organization’s mission. Several members regularly teach quilting classes for all age groups and promote the craft’s heritage.
This summer, on a beautiful day, Dunn Gardens hosted a public exhibition of quilts created by PNWAAQ members. “Pines & Needles” is part of Olmsted 200, a nationwide celebration of the birth of Frederick Law Olmsted (1822-1903), renowned American landscape architect and social reformer.
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